Google recommends keeping your Chromecast plugged in and connected to your TV at all times. In doing so, you allow the device to install updates automatically. However, if you want to plug it into another TV, you should turn off the device so that you do not corrupt its data.

However, there are multiple ways you can turn off Chromecast—and you don’t necessarily have to power the device off at all. Continue reading to learn more about the various ways that you can power off your Chromecast and what situations would necessitate a disconnection.

How to Turn Off a Chromecast

Simply turning off your TV does not turn your Chromecast off. Instead, it places it into “standby” mode, which is the equivalent of “going to sleep.” Instead, use one of these methods to turn the device off:  

Unplug It from the Wall

Unplugging your Chromecast from the wall while it is not in use presents little (if any) risks. Chromecast does not use a lot of electricity, nor does it use a lot of data. You should not unplug your Chromecast while it is streaming media, as this could cause problems.

When you unplug your device, do not:

  • Forcefully rip the HDMI USB from your TVTouch the charging port’s prongs while unplugging itRemove the HDMI USB at an angle

The primary risk in unplugging your Chromecast from the wall is messing up the pins within the HDMI USB. Yet, this is one of the easiest ways to turn off your device.

Disconnect It from Your Smartphone

If you want to turn off your Chromecast but do not want to unplug it from the wall, you can do this by disconnecting it from your smartphone.

Disconnecting Chromecast from iPhones

Disconnecting your iPhone from your Chromecast involves two simple steps, which are:

  • Go to the app you are streaming with (i.e., YouTube, Netflix, etc.).Tap the Chromecast symbol on the screen (it will likely be located at the top or bottom of your screen).  Select “Stop Casting.”

Note: Closing out of the app you are using to stream will not disconnect your phone from your Chromecast; you can actually use other apps on your mobile device while streaming with Chromecast.

Disconnecting Chromecast from Android Phones

Disconnecting your Chromecast using an Android device is virtually the same as disconnecting an iPhone; simply tap on the Chromecast icon and select “Stop Casting.”

If you want to stop mirroring your Android’s screen onto your TV, however, you will need to:

  • Go into the Google Home app.Select your device.Go to “Settings.”Choose “Stop Mirroring.”

Alternatives to Turning Off Chromecast

You do not need to turn your Chromecast off when it is not in use. However, there are a couple of reasons you may feel inclined to do so. Below, we’ll cover those reasons as well as alternatives to turning off your device.

Prevent Others from Connecting

If you want to stop other people from connecting to your Chromecast while you’re not actively using the device, you can set up your own network. One way to do this is by purchasing a travel router, like the TP-Link N300 Portable Nano Travel Router.

To set it up, this would require creating your own secure Wi-Fi network and then pairing your Chromecast to it. You will also need to disable “Guest Mode.” This would prevent others from casting while you are using it––or prevent others from using it altogether.

Turn Off Notifications

Whenever someone other than yourself uses Chromecast, you might get a notification telling you their name, what app they are using, and some options. If you do not want to get these notifications every time someone other than yourself uses Chromecast, you can disable this feature rather than turn the device off.

Your first option involves:

  • Press the gear on the notification.Select “Show remote control notifications off.”

You can also:

  • Select the gear icon on your phone.Hit “Google,” then “Device connections,” then “Cast media options,” and then disable “Media controls for cast devices.”

Regardless of which option you choose, you can re-enable notifications at any time.

Final Thoughts

Remember: you do not need to turn off your Chromecast when you are not using it. Doing so will not prolong its lifespan, nor will it reduce the amount of energy and data it uses.

However, you can still turn the device off if you feel it’s necessary. While the easiest way to turn off your Chromecast is to just unplug it, you can also turn it off using your phone.